How to watch SpaceX AX-3 Astronaut Mission launch on January 17 [Updated]

Update: SpaceX rescheduled the AX-3 Astronaut flight to January 18, 2024.

SpaceX is all set to launch the Axiom AX-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, January 17. This launch will liftoff from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The launch window for this mission is set for 5:11 p.m. EST and if required, a backup launch opportunity is set for Thursday, January 18 at 4:49 p.m. ET.

The dragon spacecraft used in this mission previously carried Crew-4 and Ax-2 missions to the Space Station and brought them back from there.

The Dragon spacecraft will receive a boost from the Falcon 9 reusable rocket, which will land back on the first stage on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon Spacecraft vertical on the launch pad (image source – SpaceX)

Four astronauts will onboard the dragon spacecraft including Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı, and Marcus Wandt. During their visit to ISS, these astronauts will conduct over 30 scientific experiments and demonstrations based on human physiology and technological industrial advancements.

SpaceX confirmed today on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Falcon 9 and Dragon are now vertical at launch pad 39A in Florida. SpaceX and Ax-3 have completed a full rehearsal of launch day activity as well as a static fire engine ignition before an actual launch.

To watch the live coverage of the SpaceX AX-3 mission, you need to tune in on SpaceX’s social media handle.